paroxysm

Meaning

Noun

• A random or sudden outburst (of activity).
• An explosive event during a volcanic eruption.
• A sudden recurrence of a disease, such as a seizure or a coughing fit.

Origin

• From French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus ("severe illness, fit of agony, paroxysm"), from Ancient Greek παροξυσμός ("irritation, the severe fit of a disease").